Living the Code of Ethics
COMPANIES are often challenged on how to live by its Code of Ethics.
One response to this challenge is an integrated approach in applying the Code of Ethics by considering its purpose on both the corporate and personal levels. Individuals discover and become more aware that the corporate purpose is aligned with their personal purpose. As a logical consequence, they become inspired to be responsive, innovative and creative in delivering products, services and commitments to various stakeholders.
There are ways to demonstrate this approach and highlight the importance of the personal purpose of individuals living the Code of Ethics.
Corporate-wide initiatives
Leading by example is the most behave ethically. When company leaders believe that ethical busi- ness is good business, it is easier The attitude at the top, inspired by the corporate purpose, is essential.
The Integrity Initiative Inc. (III) offers a guide for those who have yet to establish a corporate ethics framework. In the Integrity Compliance Handbook, III introduces the Integrity Compliance Framework (ICF) with these key features:
1) Integrity must be ingrained in the fabric of the company. It is anchored on the company’s mission, vision and core values, operationalized in the code of conduct and embedded into the management systems and processes.
2) These are organized around the tone from the top, and practices from the ground up—areas that are both important in promoting integrity, but also vulnerable to corrupt practices.
measures, derived from global standards on corporate governance. These are (a) integrity governance and policy structure; (b) risk assessment; (c) documentation, communication and reporting; and (d) implementation and monitoring.
The synergy of these components leads to institutionalizing ethical practices that are common among companies.
The handbook also provides a self-assessment tool. It is designed to help companies gauge the extent to which their existing policies and practices are aligned with the Code of Conduct for Business that III promotes in the business community.
Personal initiative
Equally important is the ethical company. In his article entitled Ethical Fitness Develops Personal ethical fitness as “an advanced concept of ethics awareness and